Short version: One simple running list can hold your life so your brain doesn’t have to. Even with a good system in place, sometimes I sit down at my desk and I don't know what to do. I could do the one or two specific tasks I've written down for the day, but sometimes I feel like I'm missing something. Maybe things are going a bit too smoothly, or maybe they’re not. I'll ask myself, “Have I forgotten to write anything down?” When this happens, …
Read moreWhat are the groom’s parents responsible for?If you’ve found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common — and emotionally loaded — questions mothers of the groom carry into the wedding season.Most of the time, it isn’t really about money or logistics. It’s about something deeper:“I don’t want to overstep… but I don’t want to under-show up either.” If this question has been weighing on you:
You’re not behind. You’re not missing something obvio…
Planning in Real Life is a conversation series where I ask people from all walks of life the same set of questions about how they plan, stay organized, and keep their days moving. Everyone approaches planning differently, and that’s what makes these conversations so interesting. Today, I’m talking with… Meet Dana Wallace I’ve known Dana for many years. We attended the same church fellowship for a while, and later we homeschooled our children together as part of …
Read moreJanuary usually ends the same way: good intentions, half-used pages, notes written everywhere, and that uneasy feeling that something important might have slipped through the cracks.February isn’t a “new year” for me. It’s a cleanup month—where I reset layouts, tighten routines, and make sure my planner is doing the remembering instead of my brain.February Focus
✔ Clean up loose ends
✔ Clarify routines
✔ Build systems I can reuse next month
1. Close the Loop on January (Befo…
Most planners don’t fall apart at the beginning of the month. They fall apart right in the middle.The excitement of a fresh start has worn off, real life has crept in, and suddenly your planner feels boring, heavy, or ignored. This is the point where many people quietly stop opening it altogether.If your planner enthusiasm faded halfway through the month, you didn’t do anything wrong.
This is the most common point where real life meets good intentions. The good news? A mid-mo…
A calm, practical look at what to say — and how to share itThere’s a quiet question many mothers of the groom carry but don’t always say out loud:“Would it be appropriate for me to write a letter to my future daughter-in-law?” The short answer is yes — when it’s done thoughtfully. The longer answer matters more.In this post, we’ll walk through when a letter makes sense, what it should (and shouldn’t) say, and how to share it without pressure or awkwardness.When a letter is ap…
Read moreWe often think of planning as something we do for ideal days—productive weeks, smooth schedules, and weekends that go exactly as expected. But one of the most powerful uses of a planner is preparing for the days that don’t go as planned.This weekend is a perfect example.Here in Alabama, forecasts are calling for a winter storm beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with freezing rain, sleet, and snow possible. Wh…
Read moreThe “Plus” reflects the heart of this space—mostly planners, but also the occasional personal story or helpful extra worth passing along. My Etsy shop follows the same rhythm: primarily planner printables, with the freedom to create a few “plus” items whenever inspiration hits.
Get the latest news, exclusive freebies & more!
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.